Because these dust particles are relatively fine, they can be directly absorbed by the lungs tiny air sacs. The airways ability to block the fine dust is relatively weak and so bacteria and viruses carried by the dust can directly enter the airway, Huang said.
Huang said exposure to such high levels of pollution over the short term can cause bacterial and viral infections, and prolonged exposure could result in tumors.
Beijings air started to worsen on Thursday, and Beijings monitoring center said the pollution was expected to linger until Tuesday.
Weather conditions are a factor, as a lack of wind means pollutants can easily accumulate and fail to dissipate, said Pan Xiao Chuan, a professor at Peking Universitys public health department.
Recent pollution doesnt mean there is an increase in the discharge of pollutants, he said.
The government started publishing PM2.5 readings last year after public demands for more detailed air quality data, prompted in part by a Twitter feed from the U.S. Embassy that reported readings from the buildings roof. A growing Chinese middle class has become increasingly vocal about the quality of the environment. Hourly air quality updates are now available online for more than 70 cities.
Air pollution is a major problem in China due to the countrys rapid pace of industrialization, reliance on coal power, explosive growth in car ownership and disregard for environmental laws. It typically gets worse in the winter because of weather conditions and an increase in coal burning for heating needs.
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